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Too much clutter has an emotional impact on your daily life, so adopt a minimalist lifestyle to open the door to a well-balanced life. Even if you simplify to only a moderate degree, exchanging your cluttered home for a peaceful and tranquil space makes you feel better. Some household items are essential to live comfortably, but you can reduce the amount of items you own to simply those that are the most useful and meaningful.

Color Palette

Capture the essence of minimalist interiors with the therapeutic qualities of a versatile and neutral color palette; for instance, white or barely-there gray walls paired with the warmth of raw elements like reclaimed wood floors provide a tranquil and peaceful space. Add bursts of color through art and accessories such as a massive-size painting with striking colors of vivid red, burnt orange and saffron yellow. Or, opt for a refreshing Mediterranean color scheme with crisp white walls and ceilings and cobalt blue accents.

Living Rooms

Instead of ornate furniture, choose high-quality pieces with clean lines, such as a white, steel gray or vibrant-colored Mid-Century couch with an exposed wood or steel base and a coffee table in a straight-edge design. Modern tufted daybeds are readily available in a variety of textiles such as velvet, leather and wool that provide elegant seating and a bed for guests. A wall-mounted television above a floating media console offers sleek, contemporary style. Create atmospheric lighting and interest by adding a pair of pendant lamps or vintage-style industrial cage lighting.

Bedrooms

A low-sitting platform bed with modest cotton bedding offers a sophisticated design solution for minimalist decor. For an extreme look, use a Japanese-inspired futon or tatami mat which takes up little space and easily stores. Instead of end tables with lamps, use modern wall sconces or polished chrome swing lamps that provide ample light for reading. Forego a dresser and use a closet organization system to keep a room clutter-free. An over-sized, leaning wall mirror placed across from a window is useful when dressing and expands the beauty of natural light.

Kitchen and Dining

The natural look of a richly grained Shaker-style table and chairs complements simple interiors. Add a brushed metal vase or bowl for a centerpiece, and you have a stylishly modest dining area that can convert to office space by day. Avoid overrunning a kitchen with multiple copies of items; instead, use multi-purpose appliances like a blender that will chop, blend and juice. Make life simpler and easier by purging cabinets filled with mismatched tableware and purchase a complete set of like-colored dishes. Glass jars serve as storage for beans, rice and other dried food products and help create a fresh, well-organized space.

Windows and Accessories

Leave windows bare if privacy permits, or opt for trouble-free window treatments like linen, wood or metal blinds. If you like the look of drapes, layer blinds with natural textiles like silk ripple-fold drapes. Avoid overcrowding with knick-knacks and choose only a few accessories that add character to a room. Group together three handcrafted vases of varying heights, and add a textured sisal rug and a few bolster or square pillows in a rich vibrant color like terra-cotta or emerald.

About the Author

Traci LaRussa is based in Florida and has been writing professionally since 2002. She currently consults with clients in need of expertise in home staging, interior decorating and organization. LaRussa is also an artist who has painted miniature works as well as large scale murals.